Stephen Paea wants back soon — good, because Bears need him

Summary of 2 articles · Updated Oct 10, 2013

It’s tough to say whether that always was the case in 2012, when Paea started 14 games in his second season. Stephen Paea thought the Cincinnati Bengals insulted him and the progress he has made. The lack of impact plays by defense end Julius Peppers and … (more)defensive tackle Henry Melton in the Bears’ 24-21 victory overshadowed Paea’s performance, but he looks to be a big positive moving forward. With Henry Melton and Nate Collins lost for the rest of the season with torn anterior cruciate ligaments, Paea’s availability is crucial for not only Thursday against the New York Giants but the rest of the season. ‘‘I want to get back on the field as soon as possible to help my team and boys out.’’ Their decision not to double-team him last week as the Bears’ nose guard felt like a huge slight. It fired him up more. Linebacker Lance Briggs , offensive tackleEben Britton and receiver Joe Anderson were listed on the injury report but would have been full participants in practice.